Abstract: Structures and techniques for solar collectors are described. In accordance with the described techniques, a structural assembly of a solar collector may include various members that are configured to carry torsional and bending loads with relatively low deflections between a reflector and a receiver. In some examples, the described structural assemblies may include a set of edge-sharing tetrahedra or tetrahedral volumes aligned along an axis, which may be supported by chord members that are parallel to the axis. In some examples, the described structural assemblies may include sets of co-rotating and counter-rotating helical structural paths, which may be connected or supported by structural members that are perpendicular to an axis of the helical structural paths, or members that are parallel to an axis of the helical structural paths, or various combinations thereof.

Abstract: Structures and techniques for solar collectors are described. In accordance with the described techniques, a structural assembly of a solar collector may include various members that are configured to carry torsional and bending loads with relatively low deflections between a reflector and a receiver. In some examples, the described structural assemblies may include a set of edge-sharing tetrahedra or tetrahedral volumes aligned along an axis, which may be supported by chord members that are parallel to the axis. In some examples, the described structural assemblies may include sets of co-rotating and counter-rotating helical structural paths, which may be connected or supported by structural members that are perpendicular to an axis of the helical structural paths, or members that are parallel to an axis of the helical structural paths, or various combinations thereof.